The first time I gave my daughter peanut butter she got hives around her mouth within minutes. I did not know what I was looking at. I called my husband in a panic, googled frantically, and then called our doctor. She was fine, it was mild, but that day I learned more about food allergies than I had in my entire life up to that point. Food allergies affect around 1 in 13 children. The most common food allergens in toddlers are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Knowing the signs can genuinely save a life. Mild to moderate allergic reaction symptoms include hives or red raised bumps on the skin, swelling around the mouth lips or eyes, runny nose and sneezing, itchy watery eyes, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea, and pale or flushed skin. Severe allergic reaction symptoms that require emergency services immediately include swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing or speaking, wheezing or difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in energy or going limp, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect anaphylaxis call emergency services immediately. When introducing allergenic foods to a toddler, introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before introducing another. Do not avoid common allergens without reason as early introduction actually reduces allergy risk for most children. If your child has eczema, existing allergies, or a family history of food allergies, discuss the introduction of allergenic foods with your pediatrician first.